Our Mission
The mission of the Ivy Rehab Vestibular Program is to foster the professional development of clinicians looking to specialize the area of vestibular therapy. This program will develop these clinicians in communication, evaluation, treatment planning and clinical reasoning by utilizing a comprehensive didactic curriculum based on current best evidence, best practice guidelines, and mentoring to provide advanced level care.
Program description
The Geriatric & Vestibular Specialization Program is a 12-month advanced clinical program designed for Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistant’s to become experts in treating older adults by integrating geriatric specialization and vestibular rehabilitation. Physical therapists and PTA’s will develop the advanced skill set necessary to address the unique challenges of the fastest-growing patient population, with a strong emphasis on fall prevention and functional mobility in outpatient physical therapy. Ivy Rehab is leading the industry by implementing this innovative dual-specialty program, offering an Ivy Vestibular Certification and a preparation program for the ABPTS Geriatric Clinical Specialist (GCS) exam. This comprehensive approach ensures clinicians are well-equipped to deliver exceptional care while advancing their professional development in these critical areas.
For any questions, please email Residency@ivyrehab.com
| Application deadline for Non-Ivy Teammates: June 30, 2025 |
| Application deadline for Ivy Teammates: August 31, 2025 |
| Start date: January 2026 |
*To ensure Ivy Residency and Fellowship Programs are effectively and sustainably supported, each cohort requires a minimum of 10 accepted participant to start a new program year. If the program does not fill a minimum of 10 seats, acceptance will rollover to the following cohort year.
Curriculum
The Geriatric Vestibular Specialty Program follows a structured weekly curriculum with assignments facilitated through an online learning management system (LMS). This comprehensive program integrates didactic education, hands-on training, and mentorship to build expertise in vestibular rehabilitation and geriatric care through:
- Multimodal Learning Approach
- Virtual lectures, in-person courses, textbooks, and current research
- Weekly structured curriculum with guided assignments
- Monthly meetings and presentations facilitating discussions on clinical practice and relevant research
- In-Person Gait, Balance and Vestibular Intensive Lab Experience
- Hands-on training covers evaluation, treatment planning, and progression strategies for patients with imbalance and dizziness.
- Mentorship & Professional Growth
- Students are paired with past graduates and advanced clinicians for personalized coaching.
- Focus on developing Vestibular, Gait, and Balance programs within clinics.
- Implementation of Specialized Equipment
- Training in the use of vestibular assessment and treatment tools to enhance clinical outcomes and ensure quality care.
Leadership
Director of Vestibular Residency: Robin Evans PT, DPT, GCS, AVPT, CEEAA
For any questions, please email Residency@ivyrehab.com
| Admissions Qualifications | |
|---|---|
| Current PT or PTA licensure in primary state of practice | Commitment to successfully completing all program requirements |
| Employed as a full-time physical therapist with Ivy Rehab by the program start date. | Required membership in the APTA and APTA Neuro and Geriatric Sections including Vestibular SIG |
Program Testimonials
Read what our residents have to say about their hand residency program experience.
Joanna Jackson, VSP class of 2022, Certified Vestibular Therapist
“I feel like VSP has changed my practice significantly. Before being a part of the VSP, I had some experience in vestibular therapy, but the way I structured my treatments and my initial evaluations was based off what I learned in school and from a mentor in a previous practice. Since taking VSP, I have learned a better structure for my initial evaluations and learned a lot more evidence-based information that helps guide my differential diagnosis and my treatment sessions.” – Joanna Jackson, VSP class of 2022, Certified Vestibular Therapist, Shelby, NC
Rebecca Fitzgerald, VSP Class of 2022, Certified Vestibular Therapist
“I am more confident treating vestibular cases. Treatment can be bizarre and sometimes silly, and it’s a big help to have that confidence and know you’re doing the right thing. I am also better at diagnosing different causes of vestibular symptoms through a more specific history and the use of goggles.” – Rebecca Fitzgerald, VSP Class of 2022, Certified Vestibular Therapist, Cliffside Park, NJ
Learn more about other residency opportunities.
Ivy Rehab offers nine orthopedic and pediatric residency programs. Our industry-leading post-professional programs include 1:1 mentoring, intensive in-person learning, and robust evidence-based didactic curricula.
| Hand Residency | Learn More |
| Orthopedic Residency | Learn More |
| Pediatric Occupational Therapy | Learn More |
| Pediatric Physical Therapy | Learn More |
| Pediatric Speech-Language Pathology Residency | Learn More |
| Pelvic Health | Learn More |
| Sports Physical Therapy Residency | Learn More |
| Vestibular Residency | Learn More |